Automation Engineer

Actalent; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Saint Joseph, MO is looking for an automation engineer with deep PLC programming and controls integration expertise to lead the design and deployment of new automation systems across manufacturing lines.

You will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors, specify equipment, and ensure safety and reliability while documenting logic and architectures; familiarity with Studio 5000 and Allen-Bradley is a plus.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of controls engineering in manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell) and HMI development.
• Experience working with external vendors to develop automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of automation hardware and control panel design.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems and integrated solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership across cross-functional teams to deliver projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects with focus on PLC programming, controls architecture, and system integration.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Controls, and Operations to identify automation opportunities.
• Work with suppliers to design and integrate new automation equipment into existing lines.
• Conduct facility inspections and gather data to inform engineering decisions.
• Support procurement, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Ensure safety standards, environmental regulations, and plant protocols are met.
• Document control logic, system architecture, and training materials.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation and smart manufacturing.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Studio 5000

Vendor management

Control systems

Mechanical collaboration

Documentation

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

SCADA systems

MES systems

Job description

This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in PLC programming and controls integration, combined with a solid understanding of mechanical systems. The engineer will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to identify automation opportunities, optimize manufacturing processes, and lead the specification, design, and integration of new automation systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead automation projects with a focus on PLC programming, controls architecture, and system integration.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Operations to identify process inefficiencies and automation opportunities.
• Work directly with suppliers and vendors to specify, design, build, and integrate new automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
• Conduct facility inspections and gather real-time data to inform engineering decisions.
• Support procurement, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems and controls.
• Support compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and plant protocols.
• Document control logic, system architecture, and training materials for internal teams.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

Required Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Required), HMI development, and industrial networking. Studio 5000 as well
• Experience working with external vendors to develop and integrate custom automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of automation hardware (sensors, actuators, drives, vision systems, etc.) and control panel design.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems and ability to collaborate on integrated solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrate influential leadership through cross-functional teams, driving collaboration, and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve project objectives. Take decisive ownership of automation initiatives from concept through completion, proactively resolving issues and ensuring successful delivery

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Nice to Have Requirements:

• Experience in battery manufacturing, automotive, or high-volume production environments.
• Knowledge of SCADA/MES systems, data acquisition, and industrial IoT technologies.
• Exposure to sustainability practices and energy-efficient automation design